South Africa will remain in adjusted level 4 lockdown for another 14 days, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on 11 July 2021.
The extension, with some further adjustments, is necessitated by the current increasing COVID infections and the need to stop the spread and flatten the curve.
While Gauteng is higher in terms of new infections, other provinces, have also witnessed increased numbers which placed pressure on our health system countrywide. To this effect, communities, industries, businesses and entities, both private and public sectors, must continue to operate within the Adjusted Alert Level 4 regulations as amended and gazetted.
COVID-19 TERS benefits to be extended to employees affected by lockdown
The COVID-19 TERS benefits would be extended to employees affected under the adjusted level 4 lockdown, President Cyril Ramaphosa said.
“We recognise, however, that these restrictions have had consequences for individuals, for households, and for businesses that were already under pressure before the pandemic,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa said after the move to alert level 4 on June 27, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) started negotiations with social partners to address the difficulties of employees who had lost their income under the restrictions.
“On the basis of these discussions, the UIF has decided that the COVID-19 TERS scheme should be extended to sectors that are affected by adjusted level 4 restrictions,” he said.
The details of the extension will be published shortly following the finalisation of the full scheme, which will include further details on who is eligible for this support.
To read the full statement issued on the extension of UIF TERS, click here.
The following adjustments to level 4 apply to the hospitality sector:
- Restaurants and eateries will be able to operate while observing strict health protocols. Such establishments may not accommodate more than 50 people at a time or for smaller venues more than 50% of their normal capacity.
FEDHASA is seeking clarity from Government on the following points and will provide an upadate on these as and when received:
- Outdoor numbers for restaurants. There is confusion in the latest Gazette – in that it has dropped the wording regarding outdoor numbers and only refers to indoor numbers (50 pax or 50% of capacity if a small restaurant). So we are requesting clarification in this regard as to if outdoor dining is allowed – and if so, what numbers of patrons are permitted in that case, above the 50 pax allowed indoors.
- Outdoor resorts (which have no accommodation) – such as places where one can buy picnic baskets and sit on the banks of the river etc – FEDHASA is also seeking clarity regarding these, if the patron numbers for these resorts are also as per hotel resorts which allow 50% of usual capacity.
From July 11 to July 25, the following measures will remain in place:
- All social, political, religious and other gatherings remain prohibited.
- A curfew remains in place from 9pm until 4am and only those with permission to do so may leave their homes during their period.
- The sale of alcohol remains prohibited.
- Schools will remain closed until July 26. It remains mandatory.
To view and download the updated regulations, click here.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, on 12 July confirmed that the National State of Disaster has been extended to 15 August, 2021.
FEDHASA will keep you informed and updated on any additional information as and when information becomes available.
